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Gordon COULING Obituary
June 22,1954 – October 8,2013
Gord left us too soon after a brief battle with cancer and is dearly missed by all of his family, friends and colleagues. He accepted his recent plight with dignity, strength and courage.
Anyone who met Gord was touched by his positive spirit, generosity and genuine enthusiasm for the things he loved. Gord was a dedicated family man, an accomplished photographer and an all-round sports junkie, with a keen interest in hockey and goalies, having been a goalie himself.
Gord was born in Winnipeg but moved to Coquitlam and graduated from Centennial Secondary before finding work with CP Rail. He completed Langara's journalism program and landed a job with the Vancouver Whitecaps media relations department in the club's championship 1979 season. Gord was a graphic artist with an amazing eye for detail, which served him well during his 16 years in the printing business, which included five years in Kamloops. The family moved back to Coquitlam when Gord began working for ICBC in 2000. He was most recently an ICBC Road Safety Coordinator, responsible for the Burnaby and Port Moody regions. Gord leveraged his ability to make friends with ease to build many strong relationships with various stakeholder groups in both of these communities and beyond.
Survived by his loving family – wife Rose-Marie, son Jeff (Tiffany), daughter Jill (Chris), father Jack, sister Sandie (Ron), nephew Trevor, brother Ted (Jackie) and nephew Ryan. Predeceased by his mother Edna Couling. Forever loved by his canine buddies Stanley and Hudson.
The family thanks everyone at Burnaby Hospital's palliative care unit for their incredible compassionate care.
A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, October 15th at 11:00 am in Room 103 of the Shadbolt Centre, 6450 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the BC Cancer Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
33 Entries
Cathy & Don Starr
December 18, 2013
Dear Rose
We are so very sorry for your loss. We only just found out today in a Christmas card from the Millers. Getting to know you both when Jeff was living with us in Merritt was truly a pleasure and it was always such fun having you to stay. Our sincere condolences to you, Jeff and Jill and your extended family.
Rick Fox
December 5, 2013
Rose,
I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Gord's passing. A mutual highschool friend just let me know. Gord, as you well know, was a very special guy. I met him when my family first moved to Coquitlam, when Gord and I were 14. I think we felt a little like outsiders, each of us having moved there from different provinces, and we immediately bonded. For a stretch there we were the very closest of friends and although our paths took us in different directions, I was so pleased to spend time with all of you in New York last year, after so many years apart. Having not seen Gord in about 30 years, we immediately fell back into the old groove as if weeks and not decades had passed.
Our deepest condolences go out to you and the entire family. We have lost one of the good guys.
Rick and Michele
Katelyn Hicks
October 24, 2013
Gord was the type of person that made you feel comfortable from the moment you met him. When I met Gord a little over a year ago through the Burnaby RCMP and Operation Red Nose, it felt more like seeing an old friend again than meeting a new one. Wherever possible, I would help him on a project he had on the go, or simply catch up on each other's lives. This past summer I requested his help for my university studies. Being the kind, selfless man he was, he of course went out of his way to help me reach my goals. I am forever indebted to Gord's kindness, and will deeply miss his many stories and wacky love for the camera. My deepest condolences go out to his family; you truly meant the world to him.
October 21, 2013
I am so sorry for the loss of your husband and father. Gord was a wonderful person who made everyone feel special. Over the years we would meet up at community events and he always came over to say hi and ask how I was...that was Gords way. I will miss you so very much Gord...you will be missed by so many>
Kathy Wipf(City of Burnaby)
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Brien, Susan, Carson & Myles Green
October 20, 2013
We are so sorry to hear of Gord's passing. Our paths crossed many years ago in minor hockey and Gord's passion for the game and for coaching was inspiring. We would catch up on current events during chance meetings in Port Moody and it was always like old times. A good man who will be missed. Our hearts are with Rose, Jill, and Jeff and the many others in Gord's extended family.
peter bennett
October 18, 2013
Gord made you feel like he'd been a friend for years, even though you'd just met him. In my 50+ years I've never met anyone like him. At work we spoke endlessly about hockey, goalie stuff since my son was one too, and his kids. It got to a point where we'd just look knowingly at one another ( usually after Luongo or the Canucks did something worthy of comment) rather than stop to chat because we both had far too much work to do. He loved to talk about family and goalie stuff. I just learned today of his passing. I just can't believe that you couldn't block that shot Gord but I know you "stood on your head" trying. My sincere condolences to your family.
Peter Bennett
peter bennett
October 17, 2013
Gord made you feel like he'd been a friend for years, even though you'd just met him. In my 50+ years I never met anyone like him. At work we spoke endlessly about hockey, goalie stuff since my son was one too, and his kids. It got to a point where we'd just look knowingly at one another ( usually after Luongo or the Canucks did something worthy of comment) rather than stop to chat because we both had far too much work to do. He loved to talk about family and goalie stuff. I just learned today of his passing.
I just can't believe that you couldn't block that shot Gord but I know you "stood on your head" trying. My sincere condolences to your family.
Peter Bennett
October 17, 2013
Jack, Sandie and family,
We were so saddened to hear of Gords passing, many memories of long ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Doug & Joan Marfleet
Karin Bergeron
October 16, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the family,thank you for sharing your memories with us.
Jane Marrington
October 16, 2013
Dear Rose
I am saddened by your loss, words certainly cannot express how you and your family are feeling. We will always remember Gord with fond memories.
Lois Looman
October 16, 2013
To Rose, Jill, Jeff, Jack, Sandie, Ron, Ted, Jackie, Trevor and Ryan, we are so sorry for your loss. Please know that we are thinking of you at this sad time. Gord was an amazing man and we feel honoured to have known him. His legacy will live on through all of you and we hope you find comfort in your memories. Freida said it right... I can hear Edna from here.
Kind regards,
Lois and Gerrit Looman
Jennifer Wilkinson
October 15, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss, please accept my sincerest condolences to your family at his time. I had the privilege of knowing Gord through work at ICBC. I had the pleasure to run into him from time to time in my neighborhood Tri Cities at different events once in awhile.
My thoughts and prayers go to the entire Couling Family at this time. May your treasured memories help all of you. God bless you all!
Pat Sample
October 15, 2013
Dearest Rose and family, We are thinking of you on this sad day. We are so blessed that we were able to re connect after so many years. What a delight to see you and meet your lovely children and Stanley. May your life time of memories help you to cope with this sudden loss of your husband, father and friend. Much love Spence and Patty Sample
Pat Sample
October 15, 2013
Dearest Rose and family, We are thinking of you on this sad day. We are so blessed that we were able to re connect after. So many year. What a delight to see you and meet your lovely children and Stanley. May your life time of memories help you to cope with this sudden loss of your husband, father and friend. Much love Spence and Patty Sample
Stephen Barbour
October 15, 2013
It is with sadness that I learn of Gord's passing and am honored to have had the privilege of knowing him and experiencing his love for life.
Mariel Williams
October 15, 2013
I am so sorry to hear that Gord has passed away. He was the nicest guy in high school and never changed from that. You picked a good one there Rose. My thought and prayers are with you and your family at this time of loss.
Stephanie Unrau
October 15, 2013
Thought and prayers to your family - Gord was a very special person and will always be remembered. Rest in peace Gord
Janice Leong
October 15, 2013
So very sad to lose that bright smile and laugh too soon. Glad to have had the privilege to work with Gord in Community Policing for many years at D4 office, foot patrol and speedwatch programs. Thanks to the family for sharing him with us. My deepest sympathy to all who loved him.
Doug Macdonell
October 15, 2013
Rose-Marie, my sincerest condolences to you and your family. Gord was one of the nicest people I ever met. I think he had that impact on everyone. He left us far too early.
October 15, 2013
It is with great sadness we learned of Gord's recent passing.
We have many fond memories of Gord, during our time involved with the Port Moody Minor Hockey Association.
All who knew Gord were captured by his great smile, friendliness and easy going, fun loving personality. He will never be forgotten!
We wish to extend all our sincere condolences to Rose, Jeff, Jill and all his extended family.
Terry, Sherri & Adam Todd
Helga Dyck
October 14, 2013
Dear Rose and family,
It is with shock and sadness that I learned of Gord's untimely passing this afternoon. You have lost a wonderful husband and father. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. Lots of love.
Maxine Faedo
October 14, 2013
We are very sorry for your loss Rose, Jeff, Jill and family. We always thought of Gord as a very special man. We enjoyed connecting with him every now and then throughout the years, catching up on what was going on in your world. Our thoughts are with you.
Maxine,Remo,Carlo and Rheanna Faedo
October 13, 2013
Our most sincere condolences to Rose Jeff Jill. We wil miss Gord ' s contagious laugh and conversations at curb side with Stanley in tow. The way he waved at you when driving by.... his incredible passion about hockey, photography, his children and Rose. We will miss him dearly...Alain & Sheila
Lita Woodsworth
October 13, 2013
I am so sorry to hear about Gord's passing. I met him about eight years ago at London drugs where I work and he was such a pleasure to help at the photo counter. we had many conversations about his photography and the many weddings he took photos of, but his biggest smiles came when he told me about things he did with his family. He loved you all so much.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lita Woodsworth
Gail McLeod
October 13, 2013
Gord was a 'gentle' man, and a pleasure to be around. I had the good fortune to work with him, during his early days with ICBC. He was a proud family man, often sharing stories about his children, and their accomplishments. I am so sad for your loss.
Todd McCluskie
October 13, 2013
I had the pleasure of working with Gord when he spent some time as a Driver Examiner at ICBC in Burnaby. We soon became friends and I was struck by his positivity, energy and love for hockey. In fact we attended several Vancouver Giants games together and I always appreciated his insight. He was simply just an all around good guy and I send out my deepest condolences to his family. We will all miss you Gord.
Shelley Cole
October 13, 2013
Gord was full of positive energy and the nicest most down to earth man I know! Always remembered and never forgotten. My thoughts go out to the family.
Mel Mercier
October 13, 2013
So very, very Sorry to hear of Gord's passing all. This came as such a shock, I had no idea.
Gord and I used to see each other occasionally during tenure on the Port Moody Traffic Safety Committee and I would invariably would run into him from time to time at the IGA, never can I recall an instance of him being anything less than upbeat and jubilant!
What sn amazing attitude and outlook he always hide.
So sorry to hear of this situation.
My deepest condolences.
Brigid Cawthra
October 12, 2013
Words fall short of expressing my sadness at the recent passing of such kind, generous, wonderful, energetic, well loved, respected, proud family man and passionate person, with a contagious smile.
I have had the opportunity to work with Gord for the last 10 years and he would always drop by our office to pick up or drop something off for his fellow co-workers. While he was there he always had time to chat and tell me about his family and the adventures of “Stanley”.
Gord made every moment count especially with his photography, his passion for people and the road safety in the community.
I will always treasure those memories and will always keep Gord, his family and friends in my thoughts and prayers.
I will miss you Gord, you are gone but never forgotten.
Frieda Wall
October 12, 2013
It was with shock and sadness to learn of Gord's untimely death. I remember his growing-up years as the young fellow next door; active in sports and art. To Rose, may you find comfort in the many years you two had together and to your children, they need no reminder of his dedication and love as a father. To Jack, Sandie and Ted, know that I am thinking of all of you and your families and I hope you can take comfort in knowing what a joyous welcome he'll receive from Edna.
eddie/diane bergin
October 12, 2013
rose-marie our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family
Debbie Swift
October 12, 2013
Rose-Marie, my heart goes out to you and your family. We both felt that Gord was a very kind and accomplished man. He will be missed.
Take care.
Hugs, Keith and Debbie
Kylie Hughes
October 12, 2013
My deepest condolences goes out to your family. I had the pleasure of working with Gord for many years at ICBC. He was such a nice man and proud husband and father. Every visit I ever had with Gord included him sharing proud father moments of Jeff and Jill. We will all miss him. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Kylie Hughes
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